SpokEasy

January 2024

Torpor

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

Torpor “Torpor” certainly describes my state today. This morning the temperature was barely up to freezing; and the wind chill factor was 24 degrees! I couldn’t face up to riding to the salvage store; but I hope I’ll get out for a ride later, after it’s a little bit warmer. I can always hook up my road bike to the trainer; but “riding” in that trainer isn’t at all fun. When I ride outdoors in this cold, I’m prone to using the hybrid; its step-through design makes it easier to mount when I’m bundled up. How should cyclists deal with frigid weather? Naturally that varies a great deal, because we all have very individual tolerances for cold. Some riders might be out there in short-sleeved jerseys and bare legs; and I’ll be wearing leg warmers, a jacket, and a helmet liner! I still haven’t gotten around to digging out my base layer. Part of me wonders what the point would be, thanks to the crazily fluctuating temperatures! Tonight will be another freezing one; but then it will warm up to the mid-60s by Monday afternoon! So what’s the point of keeping a base layer handy? I’ll just keep on with my vest and cycling jackets. And leg warmers and helmet liner. All those clothes don’t keep torpor entirely at bay; but as long as I’m moving, I can keep from freezing. This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL Torpor January 20, 2024 Here It Comes Again January 19, 2024 IS This Winter? January 18, 2024 Bad Vibes? January 17, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Here It Comes Again

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Here It Comes Again! Here it comes again; and I don’t mean the peloton. The arctic blast is poised to hit us once more. We had two very cold days; then yesterday it warmed up to the 60s. Today it’s only in the 50s; and tonight there’s a freeze warning! On top of sub-freezing temperatures, the wind chill factor will be in the teens. Ditto for Saturday night. My sister, who lives in Washington State, says their weather has been crazy, too. I guess the folks up there wonder how to dress from day to day. As I’ve said so often, Summer is much easier in a way. We know we can count on hot and humid! Today I rode several laps around the local park because the wind was strong; and shall I brave the blast for the trip to the salvage store tomorrow? I’ll have a headwind on the way home (same old story!); and with loaded panniers adding to the drag.   But the allure of the grab-bag bins is always strong; and sometimes I find really good stuff elsewhere in the store. Like jars of pesto! After Sunday it will get quite a lot warmer; but who knows how soon we’ll be saying, here it comes again — before the next wallop of frigid air.      This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL IS This Winter? January 18, 2024 Bad Vibes? January 17, 2024 Pedals not Petticoats January 17, 2024 Too Cold to Ride January 16, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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IS This Winter?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

IS This Winter? IS this Winter; or not? We had two consecutive days with temperatures that didn’t get much above freezing all day. I was tempted to use hand warmers all day! Then this morning it was a relatively balmy 49 degrees! The downside is that it’s overcast; there’s a 30% chance of rain this afternoon; and there’ll be patchy fog tonight. And another hard freeze is in the forecast for tomorrow night! It’ll be a cold ride to the salvage store Saturday morning. It makes me wonder whether to take the trailer; or stick to panniers. On the one hand, the trailer will slow me down; and when it’s very cold I like to have a bit more speed. On the other hand, the work involved in hauling that trailer will warm me up. By Monday morning it will be in the low 60s. IS this Winter? Everybody complains about the constant switch from cold to warm; and to cold again. My major peeve about that is, I have all sorts of riding clothes all over the place. As people say, you never know how to dress. I know they say that, for exercising, it’s better to start out a little underdressed. According to that theory, you’ll soon be at just about the right temperature soon after you begin your workout. But I’d rather be a bit too warm. Besides, what if something interrupts your ride; and you can’t get indoors? I, for one, would be miserably cold!   This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL Elementor #159350 January 18, 2024 Bad Vibes? January 17, 2024 Pedals not Petticoats January 17, 2024 Too Cold to Ride January 16, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Bad Vibes?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Bad Vibes? Do I give off bad vibes? Would compression socks help stop them? This morning I saw by my home-made barometer that the air pressure was up from last night. A check of the local NOAA site confirmed that reading; but as I fixed breakfast, I saw that the fluid level was dropping! After I finished eating, I checked NOAA once more; and it showed that the barometric pressure had risen a bit over the previous hour. So I guess I’ve got bad vibes; or else that little barometer is extremely sensitive to any kind of activity going on near it. All I was doing was setting things down on the kitchen counter as I needed them; but even those minor vibrations had an effect on the barometer’s reading. Luckily it was only temporary. It’s still very cold by our standards; and the wind has risen over the past three hours. I set up the road bike in the trainer; and soon I’ll climb aboard and pedal for a while. Pedaling in the trainer is so boring that I don’t get much of a workout that way. Usually I can’t take it for more than 15 minutes; and I really need more. I especially need a good workout today because I didn’t ride yesterday. It was below freezing then, too; and there was a strong wind besides. At least here I don’t have to worry about my trainer workouts shaking the whole place. I’d call that some bad vibes — wouldn’t you?   This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL Bad Vibes? January 17, 2024 Pedals not Petticoats January 17, 2024 Too Cold to Ride January 16, 2024 How’s the Pressure? January 15, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Pedals not Petticoats

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Pedals not Petticoats! Cycling around Portugal is about pedals; not petticoats! This small country offers a lot for the touring cyclist. How about the Rota Vicentina? It’s great if you enjoy ocean views; and includes segments that are suited to all fitness levels.  The 40-mile long Guadiana Grande Randonnée lets you zigzag along Portugal’s southern border; and the Escopista do Dão is one of the nation’s easiest cycling routes. Its 31 miles of beauty make it a great ride for the whole family! What season is best for a bicycle tour of Portugal? It sounds as though almost any time of year is good; although Summers can be hot. And naturally, the climate can vary according to which part of the country you visit. Depending on your tolerance for cooler temperatures, you might want to keep jackets and leg warmers on hand; or maybe some embrocation cream. But whatever you wear, it’s about pedals, not petticoats! This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL Too Cold to Ride January 16, 2024 How’s the Pressure? January 15, 2024 Icicle on Wheels? January 14, 2024 Turning the Tables January 13, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Too Cold to Ride

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Too Cold to Ride? Is it ever too cold to ride? My inclination is to say, YES!! Here it is, nearly half-past noon; and the temperature is still below freezing. The chill factor is below 20 degrees; and the wind especially is enough to discourage me from riding outdoors. I sure don’t need cold packs right now! At least the threat of freezing rain seems to be past; and the barometric pressure is up. By the way, my little homemade barometer works! But back to the issue of riding in cold weather. According to one social media platform, kids in Finland ride to school in sub-freezing weather; and think nothing of it. I wonder, though, is Finland as humid as New Orleans? One reason that cold weather here seems so miserably cold is the humid climate! So OK, it’s too cold to ride; and that means it’s time to set up the trainer. Tomorrow will be even colder than today; so I need to make a way to get some exercise! This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL Too Cold to Ride January 16, 2024 How’s the Pressure? January 15, 2024 Icicle on Wheels? January 14, 2024 Turning the Tables January 13, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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How’s the Pressure?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

How’s the Pressure? “How’s the pressure?” isn’t only about the psi in  your bicycle tires. It’s also about the barometer reading. If that reading is falling, better pack along the rain gear! I got the idea for the “barometer” pictured above from a YouTube, How to Harvest Oats Like an Edwardian. They discuss how important it is to have cooperative weather in order to have a good harvest; and about 14 minutes into the video, they start talking about barometers. They even show how to make a cheap barometer, as most Edwardian-era farmers — especially small-scale ones — likely couldn’t afford a fancy instrument.  So I decided to try making one. Luckily I had just finished both a jar of kalamata olives, and a bottle of soy sauce. So I had the materials; and all I needed to buy was red food coloring. I made my barometer about two days ago, and have been watching it. I’m trying to see whether the fluid level in the bottle neck is going up or down; and today it looks it might be lower than it was yesterday. I checked NOAA; and sure enough, right now the barometric pressure is 29-something. Yesterday it was 30-something. Of course I still have to pay attention to how’s the pressure in my bikes’ tires; not that I’m likely to get to ride outdoors tomorrow morning. The forecast has changed from a low of 34 to a low of 27 degrees; and on top of that, freezing rain is likely! Even in the afternoon, it will still be below 40 degrees; and wind gusts might reach 35 mph.  So how’s the pressure to get out there and ride, anyway? Fortunately, it’s very low! This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL How’s the Pressure? January 15, 2024 Icicle on Wheels? January 14, 2024 Turning the Tables January 13, 2024 Summer in January January 12, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Icicle on Wheels?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

Icicle on Wheels? Does “icicle on wheels” refer to the bicycle; or to the rider? It could be either; or both. We’ve got a deep freeze on the way. Tuesday night it’s going to drop to the low 20s; and for New Orleans, that’s freakishly cold! I’m not sure I’ll be able to get up the courage to ride Wednesday morning; but if I do, I’ll be an icicle on wheels. It’s not only the low temperature I’ll have to deal with; the wind will be 10-15 mph. That means a chill factor of 12 degrees or lower! I don’t own any super-thermal cycling clothing for riding in super-cold weather; and that means plenty of layers. I’ve got some kind of undershirt around here; and I must dig it out. I’ll want the sleeves from a cycling jacket that I kept when the jacket’s zipper went kaput. My arms get cold easily; and those sleeves are a big help. Hand warmers on such a cold day are a no-brainer; as are heavy gloves. By the time I’m bundled up enough to go out, I might not be able to move! In addition to the low temperatures, rain is likely Monday night. The forecast doesn’t mention sleet; but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen. A little sleet shuts down this entire city! It’s so rare that people don’t know how to drive in it; and the overpasses don’t do anything to help in such weather. Low tonight, 47 degrees. I’d better ride tomorrow; and Tuesday, too, if I can. Then come Wednesday, I can stay in if necessary. I don’t want to turn into an icicle on wheels. This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL Icicle on Wheels? January 14, 2024 Turning the Tables January 13, 2024 Summer in January January 12, 2024 Pedal or Walk? January 11, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Turning the Tables

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Turning the Tables That crazy wind went turning the tables on me today; and I don’t mean the Feed Zone. As usual for a Saturday, I headed for the salvage store. The wind was from a westerly direction when I left home; and that meant a headwind on the way to the store. Great! I thought; I’ll have a tailwind on the way home. A wind at my back is welcome any time; but especially when I’ve got a load of stuff. I wish. It was about 7:30 am when I started out for the store; and about 9:00 am when I headed back. Within those 90 minutes, the breeze shifted to an easterly direction. Talk about dirty tricks! Fortunately the breeze was only about 6 mph; but that’s enough for me to notice it. It had me riding in a low gear. Much of the time I was using the smallest chainring and the second largest cog. It makes me feel like a weakling; but sometimes you’ve just got to go “granny“, or close to it. The weather is going to be turning the tables again Monday night. Temperatures will be rather mild through Monday; but come Monday night, we’re in for a drastic drop — down to barely above freezing. I’d want thermal socks; two or three thermal jackets; an extra-heavy helmet liner; double leg warmers; and heated gloves. That’s a bit much; so I thought of turning the tables, and taking Tuesday off from riding instead of Monday. But I checked the forecast again; and Tuesday night it’s down to well below freezing!       This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL Turning the Tables January 13, 2024 Summer in January January 12, 2024 Pedal or Walk? January 11, 2024 Swiss Cheese? January 10, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Summer in January

BACK ISSUES, equipment /

Summer in Janurary We’ve got Summer in January. It’s 75 degrees this afternoon! Have we swapped places with Australia? I’ll want one of these Mission Cooling Neck Gaiters if this keeps up; but it looks like we don’t have to worry about that. By 3 pm or so, the temperature is supposed to start falling; and then it’s down to 37 degrees tonight. Apparently our weather can’t decide which season this is. I wish it would; and then we wouldn’t have to keep clothes for both hot weather and cold weather lying all over the place. Summer in January is a nuisance! With temperatures in the 30s, I’m going to want hand warmers for the ride to the salvage store tomorrow. Thank goodness the wind is expected to die down; or I’d have a tough time of it. Right now we’re getting gusts up to 28 mph! Tomorrow, cold-weather gear will definitely be my clothing of choice: leg warmers; helmet liner; heavy gloves; probably two jackets; and thermal socks. And the aforementioned hand warmers! It will be a little warmer Sunday, although still cold. Maybe it’s time to push my distance up 15 miles now? The effort would warm me up; except for — perhaps you can guess — my nose. But at least that tells me that Summer in January is over. This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL Pedal or Walk? January 11, 2024 Swiss Cheese? January 10, 2024 Bucking the Wind January 9, 2024 Holding My Breath Again! January 8, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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